CVE-2025-67709 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in Esri ArcGIS Server versions 11.4 and earlier, including version 10.9.1, running on both Windows and Linux platforms. The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, classified under CWE-79. Specifically, the server fails to adequately sanitize user-supplied input before incorporating it into web pages, allowing an attacker to inject malicious scripts that are stored persistently on the server. When a victim accesses the compromised web page, the malicious script executes within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions performed on behalf of the user. The attack vector requires no authentication (AV:N) but does require user interaction (UI:R), such as visiting a maliciously crafted page or resource. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 6.1, reflecting medium severity, with impacts primarily on confidentiality and integrity, but no direct impact on availability. No public exploits have been reported yet, but the presence of this vulnerability in widely deployed geospatial server software poses a significant risk, especially for organizations relying on ArcGIS Server for critical mapping and spatial data services. The vulnerability affects multiple versions and operating systems, increasing the scope of potential exploitation. The lack of available patches at the time of reporting necessitates immediate mitigation through input validation and monitoring.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2025-67709 could be significant, particularly for those in sectors relying heavily on geospatial data, such as government agencies, utilities, transportation, environmental monitoring, and defense. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive spatial data or manipulation of user sessions, undermining trust in critical mapping services. Confidentiality breaches could expose sensitive location-based information, while integrity impacts could allow attackers to inject misleading or malicious data into geospatial applications. Although availability is not directly affected, the reputational damage and potential regulatory consequences under GDPR for data breaches could be substantial. The vulnerability's ease of exploitation without authentication increases risk, especially in public-facing ArcGIS Server deployments. European organizations with limited web application security controls or insufficient monitoring may be more vulnerable to targeted attacks leveraging this XSS flaw.

1. Apply official patches from Esri as soon as they become available to address the vulnerability directly. 2. Implement strict input validation and output encoding on all user-supplied data within ArcGIS Server configurations to prevent injection of malicious scripts. 3. Employ Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with rules tailored to detect and block XSS payloads targeting ArcGIS Server endpoints. 4. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on web application vulnerabilities in geospatial services. 5. Educate users and administrators about the risks of clicking on untrusted links or uploading unverified files to the server. 6. Monitor server logs and network traffic for unusual activity indicative of attempted XSS exploitation. 7. Restrict access to ArcGIS Server management interfaces and limit exposure of public-facing services where possible. 8. Use Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to reduce the impact of any injected scripts by restricting script execution contexts. 9. Maintain up-to-date backups of critical geospatial data to enable recovery in case of compromise. 10. Coordinate with Esri support and cybersecurity teams to stay informed about emerging threats and mitigation strategies.